Supporting the New European Bauhaus (NEB) vision of transforming the built environment through sustainability, inclusion and beauty, the EIT Community NEB has launched its 2026 Connect NEB and Co-create NEB calls for applications. With both calls closing on 30 September 2026, we have summarised the key information to help you explore these funding opportunities.
"We will create a new European Bauhaus—a space of co-creation where architects, artists, students, engineers and designers work together." Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
This vision, first introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in 2020, took shape with the official launch of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative by the European Union in 2021. Since then, a wide range of funding and support programmes have been developed across the EU to turn this vision into action. Among them are the grant and support schemes implemented by the EIT Community New European Bauhaus (EIT Community NEB).
Through these programmes, EIT Community NEB seeks to bring the European Green Deal closer to people's everyday lives. Beyond environmental sustainability, it promotes the creation of living environments that are inclusive, well-designed and improve quality of life. At the heart of its funding schemes is the principle of co-creation, encouraging citizens and diverse stakeholders to actively participate in developing solutions for their communities. Local authorities, civil society organisations, universities, entrepreneurs, researchers and representatives of the creative sector are invited to build partnerships and develop innovative projects capable of creating tangible impact at the local level.
Following the Ignite NEB call, which closed in May, EIT Community NEB has now launched two additional funding opportunities for 2026. The Connect NEB and Co-create NEB calls, open until 30 September 2026, aim to support projects that seek to transform public spaces through innovative, community-driven ideas and practical local solutions.
Connect NEB 2026
The Connect NEB call is designed for community-driven initiatives that aim to develop participatory solutions within their cities or neighbourhoods. It supports projects that foster collaboration through living labs, co-creation processes, local participation models, and innovative approaches that strengthen community ownership.
Who can apply?
● Civil society organisations
● Community-based organisations
● Citizen initiatives
● Social entrepreneurs
● Artists and designers
● SMEs
● Research groups
Funding
Grant: up to €15,300
Co-financing: €2,700
Total project budget: €18,000
Applications may be submitted by a single applicant.
Co-create NEB 2026
The Co-create NEB call supports collaborative projects that bring together local authorities and communities to deliver tangible improvements in public spaces.
The call focuses on solutions that respond to local needs and can create lasting impact in neighbourhoods and shared public spaces through cross-sector collaboration.
Who can apply?
● Municipalities and public authorities
● Universities
● Civil society organisations
● SMEs
● Community-based organisations
● Multi-stakeholder partnerships
Applications must be submitted by consortia of two to four partners, with at least one partner being a municipality, regional authority, or an organisation affiliated with one.
Funding
Grant: up to €49,300
Co-financing: €8,700
Total project budget: €58,000
Why is it important?
Beyond providing financial support, the Connect NEB and Co-create NEB calls encourage collaboration across sectors in line with the core values of the New European Bauhaus. They aim to bring together municipalities, civil society organisations, universities, businesses, and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, promote co-creation as a way of working, and support projects that contribute to more sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful living environments at the local level.
For organisations and communities looking to turn innovative ideas into real-world impact, these calls offer an opportunity not only to develop ambitious local projects but also to become part of the growing New European Bauhaus ecosystem.
Applications for both calls can be submitted through the NetSuit Platform of EIT Urban Mobility.
Further information and the official application guidelines are available on the EIT Community NEB website.
You can also follow current and upcoming Horizon Europe and EIT calls related to the New European Bauhaus through the TÜBİTAK Ufuk Avrupa portal.
If you are looking for inspiration while developing your proposal, the EIT Community NEB website features a collection of previously funded projects and good practices.
For a broader understanding of the initiative, you can also explore the European Commission's policy document, "New European Bauhaus: Beautiful, Sustainable, Together."
